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North East chemical manufacturer to scale in U.S. following Alabama acquisition

North East chemical manufacturer targets to scale in U.S. following Alabama acquisition

Consett-based Thomas Swan & Co has acquired Opelika, a speciality chemicals manufacturing facility based in Alabama, USA.

The North East firm plans to introduce a major overhaul and upgrade of the facility to create a state-of-the-art plant for the custom manufacture of speciality chemicals.

Founded in 1926, Thomas Swan remains an independent family-run, chemical manufacturing business.

WIth a turnover of approximately £28m per annum, the company employs 175 people and exports approximately 75% of its products to over 80 countries.

The deal to acquire Opelika, which was previously owned by Apollo Chemicals part of Mt. Vernon Chemicals group, follows increased demand from its contract manufacture customers for glass-lined manufacturing capacity in the U.S.

Dr. Tom Porter, Business Director of the Custom Manufacturing Division at Thomas Swan, said: “Existing custom manufacturing customers have asked us to add U.S. manufacturing capability, providing a strong business case for this acquisition.

“We will shortly commence the process of fitting it out to allow significant room for sales growth, with the site capable of large future expansions in addition to the current plans.”

Harry Swan, Managing Director of Thomas Swan, added: “This is a major step in the implementation of our global expansion strategy and will provide a valuable manufacturing hub for us in the U.S.A.

“We expect the Opelika plant to support our continued recent growth in custom manufacture by opening up the U.S. market to us. Flexible, glass-lined capacity is rare in the U.S., especially at the mid-scale that we will offer.”

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